WHAT IS BIBLE STUDY?

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.”- John 5:39-40 NLT.

An archaeologist is a scientist whose mission is to discover historical artefacts. His goal is to find what is already there, albeit hidden. This approach is similar to Bible study; it involves reading the Scriptures and examining them to discover already present gems about Christ. As students of the Bible, we should always come with open minds to understand the mind of God.

In today’s anchor text, Jesus highlights that the Scriptures themselves do not give eternal life; rather, they point to Him, in whom eternal life is found. When we approach the Scriptures, we should have the mindset to ‘find’ Jesus as every part of the Bible points to Him. The Bible is neither a multi-purpose book nor a magical wand to hide under your pillow to ward off evil spirits at night. It is the inspired book that points people to Christ. 

The Old Testament contains the promise of Christ and details about His coming and purpose expressed in types and shadows, while the New Testament reveals and explains our new life in Christ. Jesus demonstrates this in Luke 24:25-27, where He takes two disciples on a journey through the Scriptures, showing them Himself. 

It is also important to note that accurate Bible study is often best achieved with the help of a teacher. God, in His wisdom, has established the local church as the primary place for learning about Christ (Jeremiah 3:15; Ephesians 4:8-11). 

As a student of the Word, you need to be committed to a local church for your progress in the faith. The Bereans in  Acts 17:10-11 not only attended church meetings; they came with open minds, listened attentively, and then confirmed the teachings of Apostle Paul in their personal study. This is the right approach to Bible study. 

Ultimately, Bible study has a goal: to build you up in Christ. The revelation of Christ and your new life in Him ought to influence every aspect of your life, not just serve as knowledge (Romans 12:2). In Acts 11:26, after a year of teaching by Saul and Barnabas, the believers in Antioch were so transformed that those around them recognised them as disciples of Christ and called them Christians. The more time you spend in Bible study, the more you see Christ and are transformed to be like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Dear believer, to grow spiritually, developing a personal culture of Bible study is non-negotiable.

Bible Reading Plan: 2 Chronicles 29-31; Luke 13:22-14:6

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